The OSCE Mission in Kosovo today organized a conference with the theme: "Strengthening the performance of independent institutions", where it was said that the functioning of independent institutions contributes to good governance. The head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, said the OSCE since 1999 has helped strengthen the institutions in terms of budgeting, supervision and finally parliamentary accountability.  Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli, who also attended the conference, said that state institutions are serving the public, and not certain group interests. “For a long time Kosovo was criticized for politicization of independent institutions. Phenomenon such as nepotism shown at different levels, has damaged the reputation of the institutions and the trust of citizens. This is very serious obstacle to the consolidation of the democratic system and our country's progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration,” Veseli said. The conference will last two days and will discuss the work of three key institutions: the Anti-Corruption Agency, Ombudsperson and the Office of the General Auditor.